Trey Anastasio, Phish frontman, talks about early influences, pressure after Jerry Garcia's death, deep bond with bandmates. Reflects on evolving relationships, personal influences like Santana. Discusses sobriety, music journey, and struggles with addiction in the 90s drug culture.
Phish's commitment to creating immersive live experiences set them apart in the music scene.
External pressures challenged Phish's original music ethos in the mid-90s.
Embracing diverse musical influences and community support fueled Phish's resilience and success.
Deep dives
Formation and Early Performances at Nectar's in Burlington
The band began its journey in Burlington, playing at Nectar's, where they performed different sets for the audience at the bar and their friends. They developed a strong connection with their community through music, creating a unique and interactive live experience. This laid the foundation for their experimental approach to music and a tight-knit relationship with their fans.
Expansion into Festivals and Cultural Influence
By 1995, the band's popularity grew, culminating in festivals that attracted tens of thousands of people. The music scene started embracing a broader range of influences, incorporating blues, jazz, and rock. Their commitment to creating a social environment at their shows set them apart, transforming simple performances into immersive cultural experiences.
Challenges and Changes Following Jerry Garcia's Death
The band faced challenges in the mid-90s, with the pressure to adjust their music style and cater to a shifting audience. Despite their initial success and close community ties, external influences began impacting their performances. The backstage scenes grew darker, and external expectations presented a contrasting dynamic to their original music ethos.
Transition into New Musical Directions and Personal Growth
The band's journey saw transitions into new musical directions post-1995, as they navigated personal growth and evolving artistic landscapes. Despite facing external pressures and challenges, their resilience, commitment to their community, and embracing diverse musical influences contributed to their continued success and unique artistic identity.
The Challenges of Touring with a Band and Drug Culture
Touring with a band poses diverse challenges as it attracts a mix of troubled individuals seeking an escape, which allows drug culture to thrive among vulnerable communities. The speaker highlights the presence of desperate individuals engaging in risky behaviors on the road, leading to a cycle of darkness reminiscent of previous eras in the music scene.
Struggles with Addiction and Attempts at Sobriety
The podcast delves into the speaker's personal battles with addiction and various attempts at achieving sobriety. From resisting the allure of drugs during performances to struggling with relapses after brief periods of sobriety, the narrative reflects the complex journey of seeking recovery and facing the challenges of maintaining it in the music industry.
Recovery, Sobriety, and Reflection on Past Choices
The podcast culminates in a reflection on the speaker's path to recovery and the positive impact of embracing sobriety. By sharing personal anecdotes and experiences, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of sobriety, highlighting the joys of living without addiction and the importance of self-acceptance and growth.
Despite Phish’s enormous following, frontman Trey Anastasio still sees himself as an outsider. Trey talks with Marc about his earliest influences, which were not jam bands, but groups like the Jackson 5 and musicals from Broadway. They also talk about the pressure Phish encountered after Jerry Garcia died, how the party scene surrounding the band spiraled out of control, and how Trey’s deep connection with his bandmates served him well when he was at his lowest point.